Where have all the theatrics gone? That is the question I asked myself as London based, Grammy nominated artist Mika dropped his stage extravaganza on the Hollywood Palladium. I know gigantic touring acts like U2 and Coldplay have elaborate stage setups that enhance their performance, but kudos to Mika for bringing that larger than life feel to a more intimate setting.
A spotlight appears on a vintage looking couch perched in front of a large flat screen telelvision. With a black theater like curtain separating the stage setup from the couch, one by one members of Mika’s band slip through the curtain and take a seat on the couch. The flat screen shows “I Love Lucy” style 50’s programming and is interrupted by Ian McKellen who, in “Breaking News” fashion describes the launch of a space shuttle. Enter Mika. As 2001: Space Odyssey blares over the PA system, Mika appears in a full space suit. Every balloon hat wearing, sign toting, cell phone camera shooting person in the Palladium goes nuts. The band assumes their positions and start cranking on the opening bars of “Relax, Take It Easy.” Having left the stage for a change of costume, a barefoot Mika sprints from stage left just in time to handle lead vocals on the opening number.
Always the consummate entertainer, the rest of the show played out in grand fashion. Mika cruised through old favorites “Stuck In The Middle” and “Big Girls You Are Beautiful.” The latter number had him stroll out four plus size girls wearing tutus to dance behind the band. New material like “Blue Eyes,” “Dr. John,” and current radio single “We Are Golden” went over equally well with help from the crowd singing every word.
Overall the show was what most concerts aren’t these days… an experience. In the digital world we live in with youtube videos and downloadable content available at the flick of a finger, live performances must provide an experience that is both entertaining and visceral. Mika is ahead of the curve.
